SQ FL vs Maytag Bravo vs Electrolux?

[khrios]

My head is spinning from all the information...It didn't take me this long to choose a car to buy.

There are three washers which seem appealing...

1. Speed Queen Front Loader - love the reliability, durability,concerned about the capacity.

2. Maytag Bravo - People seem to love them. Capacity is right. Really concerned about the durability and reliability.

3. Electrolux - The capacity seems right. Don't know much about reliability. I was really impressed by how well it cleaned. Saw the pictures someone on this forum posted.

So, if you have experience with these three, please chime in.

Thanks, Ann

 

[frigilux]

Since no one else has weighed in, I'll give you my opinion, although I own a Frigidaire---made by Electrolux---which is not on your list. (I'm the guy who did the greasy mud test load you referenced.)

Let's get this out of the way right off the bat: I far prefer front-load washers over top-loaders; especially the new impeller machines, like the Bravos. FL'ers are more energy and water efficient, they spin faster (less dryer time), and they do a great job of cleaning. Watching videos of impeller-based top-loaders grinding away at a load of laundry makes me shudder.

Of the three brands you're looking at, Consumer Reports rates the Electolux models the highest.

1) Electrolux Wave Touch EWFLW65H ($1500) received a total score of 82 (the highest rank, an 85, was given to an LG-made Kenmore). Very Good and Excellent
scores in all the considered areas. Huge capacity.

2) Electolux IQ Steam EIFLS55 ($1200) received a total score of 81 (the same as my new top-of-the-line Frigidaire, which retails at $1000). Again, great scores all around. Huge capacity.

3) Speed Queen AFB50R ($1600) received a score of 69, and was ranked near the bottom of the ratings for front-loaders. Received a low score for vibration, which would be an issue if you're installing it on the first or second floor of your house.
That being said, most of the people here who own a Speed Queen really like it, and they rave about build-quality.

4) Maytag Bravos MVWB800V ($1000) scored a 73. Low score for gentleness. Very good score for cleaning. Huge capacity.

You mentioned concerns about capacity. I'm in a household of one, and my Frigidaire has a 4.4 cubic foot tub. I'm so glad I went with a very large capacity machine. Most of my loads only fill the tub halfway; but on the occasion I need to wash a huge load, or something very large---a queen-sized comforter, for example---I'm glad the capacity is there.

OK, there's my 2-cents and a few test results from Consumer Reports. Good luck with your purchase, and be sure to let us which brand you decide to buy.

 

[khrios]

Your cleaning experiment was excellent. I thought there was no way that grease would come out.